This site has an ongoing topic of my Dads' 8th Army Air Corps service during WW2. There is duplication of some photos and statements. I condensed these posts from another Blog I write to contain everything in one space. The existance of this Blog has brought forth the reuniting of old comrades. This is a Tribute to all those who have sacrificed for our country.

Crew # 555

My BMW Motorcycle Blog

1st. LT. J. William Smith

Thursday, January 30, 2014

R & R at the "Flak Castle"

During their "tours", airmen were given occasional "R & R' periods
to have a few days off, away from the daily mission routine.
Becoming "Flak Happy" was a term used for "Combat Fatigue" when guys
couldn't take any more. Dad only witnessed the breakdown of one guy
throughout all his missions. During an intense bomb run with
anti-aircraft bursts all around them, they took numerous hits on the
aircraft. The Bombardier's oxygen mask was torn off his face by a chunk
of shrapnel passing through the plane. Apparantly one of the other
crewmen had a minor panic episode on that mission.
Dad said he was always scared on these missions, but just kept busy
focusing on his job. "Anyone who said they were not scared was a liar",
according to Dad.
Going on "R & R", they were sent to an old English Estate. The crews referred to it as the "Flak Castle."
Dad took some photos while on leave at one of the "Flak Castles".
Not sure if only officers were given "leaves" to these Estates or if
lower ranking "Enlisted" men were given the same "R & R"
locations.(?)
Dad said the entire crew were always treated as "equals", regardless of
rank, amongst themselves. They had a "bond" that went beyond rank.

He sent these photos to my Mom in the States:[click to enlarge]

His main form of local transportation was on 2 wheels.

Not sure where this old estate was located or if it still exsists.

Big ass place.....

The Photo below was marked "Lowestoft" ...not sure where that was, so
looked it up on wikipedia.....Suffolk on the North Sea Coast.